Making choices over China: EU-China co-operation on energy and climate
The EU needs China to move rapidly towards a low carbon economy. Even with strong leadership at the highest level in China, this will not be easy, given the country's scale, diversity and development needs. The building of an effective UN climate change agreement is an important component of this process. But it is also crucial that the EU develops close bilateral ties with China. Such a relationship would help accelerate China's transition to a low-carbon economy by making the most of Europe's technology and expertise, as well as the dense commercial links between the two economies.
Nick Mabey is the chief executive of E3G.